Rating Methodology Stephen Irwin, Vice President, A.M. Best Doniella Pliss, Managing Senior Financial Analyst, A.M. Best

Transcription

1 Rating Methodology 2017 Stephen Irwin, Vice President, A.M. Best Doniella Pliss, Managing Senior Financial Analyst, A.M. Best

2 Impetus for Change Timeline Building Block Approach Rating Implications Questions Rating Methodology 2017

3 Impetus for Change Transparency & consistency A move towards best practices A way to integrate new tools Application of BCAR

4 Tentative Timeline 03/10/16 12/31/16 Draft BCRM & PC BCAR criteria is released for comment Comment period will include public updates as specific issues raised Comment period will be extended to coincide with release of all BCAR models Comment period ends Comments incorporated as necessary into BCRM and all BCAR criteria BCRM and BCAR criteria is published and becomes effective Remainder of Q 2017

5 An Updated BCRM The BCRM will be the key source document for deriving ratings Issuer Credit Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Issue Ratings

6 An Updated BCRM Not a fundamental change to rating analysis

7 An Updated BCRM The BCRM is being updated but the fundamental rating drivers will remain the same Balance sheet strength Operating performance Business profile Enterprise risk management

8 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline (e.g., bbb+) Operating Performance (+2/-3) Business Profile (+/-2) Enterprise Risk Management (+1/-4) Comprehensive Adjustment (+/-1) Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

9 Rating Units Analysis is performed at rating unit level Single legal entity OR Several entities that collectively operate A lead rating unit is identified for organizations with multiple rating units within enterprise Largest or most strategically important Holding company will only impact B/S assessment of the lead rating unit Through lead rating unit analysis, the highest possible rating from lift is determined for the group Additional non-lead rating units will be eligible to receive rating enhancement or drag from the lead rating unit

10 Organizational Structure Final Frontier Holdings, Inc. Holding Company Enterprise Insurance Company Lead Rating Unit (p) Khan Services Non-Rated Affiliate Starfleet Indemnity Lead Rating Unit (p) Transponder Preferred Lead Rating Unit (p) McCoy Life Non-Lead Rating Unit

11 Yes Rating Units Lead Rating Unit? No Assess Balance Sheet Strength of Rating Unit Assess Balance Sheet Strength of Rating Unit Determine Holding Company Assessment No Holding Company Assessment (Factored into Enhancement/Drag) Include Country Risk and use combination tables to get Baseline Assessment. Adjust for Operating Performance, Business Profile, ERM, Comprehensive Adjustment Include Country Risk and use combination tables to get Baseline Assessment. Adjust for Operating Performance, Business Profile, ERM, Comprehensive Adjustment Enhancement/Drag Not eligible for rating enhancement or drag Enhancement/Drag Receives rating enhancement or drag from lead rating unit s published ICR (if applicable) Published ICR Published ICR

12 Balance Sheet Strength Balance sheet strength is now broken down into several parts Rating unit balance sheet strength assessment BCAR Other qualitative and quantitative factors Holding company impact assessment Country risk impact Rating Unit Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Country Risk Holding Company Impact Assessment Balance Sheet Strength Baseline (e.g., bbb+)

13 The analyst will consider Example BCAR Scores Confidence level at which the drop-off occurs Degree of the downward slope Drivers of the downward slope Volatility Size of the drop-off Company A s BCAR Scores Year VaR 95 VaR 99 VaR 99.5 VaR 99.8 VaR

14 Application of BCAR Key for rating unit evaluation BCAR can be run at the rating unit and the holding company levels Confidence level results tie into initial balance sheet assessment Confidence Level (%) BCAR Implied Balance Sheet Strength 99.9 > 0 at 99.9 Strongest 99.8 > 0 at 99.8 & 0 at 99.9 Very Strong 99.5 > 0 at 99.5 & 0 at 99.8 Strong 99 > 0 at 99 & 0 at 99.5 Adequate 95 > 0 at 95 & 0 at 99 Weak 95 0 at 95 Very Weak The key characteristics described for each assessment category are ideal scenarios and are not intended to be prescriptive.

15 BCAR Impact on Balance Sheet View Scores at confidence levels provide differentiation in initial assessment categories (prior to quality of capital/holding company adjustment) Initial Balance Sheet Strength Assessment (Rating Unit/BCAR) Strongest Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Very Weak a+/a a/a- a-/bbb+ bbb+/bbb/bbb- bb+/bb/bb- b+ and below

16 Additional Balance Sheet Factors Rating Unit Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Country Risk Holding Company Impact Assessment Balance Sheet Strength Baseline (e.g., bbb+) BCAR Stress Tests Liquidity ALM Quality of Capital Quality of Reinsurance Reinsurance Dependence Appropriateness of Reinsurance Program Fungibility of Capital Internal Capital Models

17 Assessment Strongest Very Strong Strong Adequate Weak Very Weak Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Key Characteristics The rating unit has the strongest BCAR score with a demonstrated pattern of stability. Its quality of capital and ALM are also the strongest. It has an appropriate and diverse reinsurance program. Any additional analytical factors are in line with an assessment of strongest. The rating unit has a very strong BCAR score with a demonstrated pattern of stability. Its quality of capital and ALM are also very strong. It has an appropriate and diverse reinsurance program. Any additional analytical factors are in line with an assessment of very strong. The rating unit has a strong BCAR score with a demonstrated pattern of stability. Its quality of capital and ALM are also strong. It has an appropriate and diverse reinsurance program. Any additional factors are in line with an assessment of strong. The rating unit has an adequate BCAR score that has been relatively stable. Its quality of capital and ALM are adequate. It has an appropriate reinsurance program. Any additional factors are in line with an assessment of adequate. The rating unit has a weak BCAR score with a demonstrated pattern of volatility. Its quality of capital and ALM are weak. Its reinsurance program is weak. Any additional factors are in line with an assessment of weak. The rating unit has a very weak BCAR score with a demonstrated pattern of volatility. Its quality of capital and ALM are very weak. Its reinsurance program is very weak. Any additional factors are in line with an assessment of very weak. The key characteristics described for each assessment category are ideal scenarios and are not intended to be prescriptive.

18 Holding Company Impact Assessment Rating Unit Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Country Risk Holding Company Impact Assessment Balance Sheet Strength Baseline (e.g., bbb+) Consolidated BCAR Financial Leverage Operating Leverage Coverage Financial Flexibility/Liquidity Intangible Assets

19 Holding Company Impact Assessment Financial Leverage Unadjusted / Adjusted Operating Leverage Coverage Interest & Fixed-Charge Coverage Financial Flexibility / Liquidity Analysis of Sources and Uses Access to Capital Asset Allocation/Investment Risk Intangible Assets Non-Rated and/or Non-Regulated Affiliates

20 Lead Rating Unit Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Combined Balance Sheet Strength Assessment (Lead Rating Unit & Holding Company) Holding Company Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Strongest Strongest Strongest Very Strong Adequate Very Strong Strongest Very Strong Strong Weak Strong Very Strong Strong Adequate Very Weak Adequate Strong Adequate Weak Very Weak Weak Adequate Weak Very Weak Very Weak Very Weak Weak Very Weak Very Weak Very Weak

21 Combined Balance Sheet Assessment (Rating Unit/Holding Company) The Baseline Assessment Overall Balance Sheet Strength Assessment Country Risk Tier CRT-1 CRT-2 CRT-3 CRT-4 CRT-5 Strongest a+/a a+/a a/a- a-/bbb+ bbb+/bbb Very Strong a/a- a/a- a-/bbb+ bbb+/bbb bbb/bbb- Strong a-/bbb+ a-/bbb+ bbb+/bbb/bbb- bbb/bbb-/bb+ bbb-/bb+/bb Adequate bbb+/bbb/bbb- bbb+/bbb/bbb- bbb-/bb+/bb bb+/bb/bb- bb-/b+/b Weak bb+/bb/bb- bb+/bb/bb- bb-/b+/b b+/b/b- b/b-/ccc+ Very Weak b+ and below b+ and below b- and below ccc+ and below ccc and below

22 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance (+2/-3) Business Profile (+/-2) Enterprise Risk Management (+1/-4) Comprehensive Adjustment (+/-1) Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

23 Balance Sheet Only Goes So Far

24 Operating Performance The BCRM is being updated but the fundamental rating drivers will remain the same Underwriting Performance Investment Performance Total Operating Earnings Prospective Financial Forecasts Other Considerations Unique to LOB, region of operation, structure

25 Operating Performance Benchmarks Benchmarks ensure operating performance metrics for each insurer are being evaluated in proper framework Can be created using: Industry composites/sub-composites ICR composites Other customized parameters May be appropriate to compare a rating against >1 benchmark Rating Committee has flexibility in determining the appropriate benchmark(s) for each rating unit Various insurance organizational types will have differing benchmarking metrics

26 Baseline Adjusted for Performance Depending on a company s operating performance, the baseline can be adjusted up or down Using appropriate benchmark Looking at level, trend and volatility Assessment Adjustment (Notches) Key Operating Performance Characteristics Very Strong +2 Strong +1 Adequate 0 Weak -1 Very Weak -2/3 Historical operating performance is exceptionally strong and consistent. Trends are positive and prospective operating performance is expected to be exceptionally strong. Volatility of key metrics is low. Historical operating performance is strong and consistent. Trends are neutral/slightly positive and prospective operating performance is expected to be strong. Volatility of key metrics is low to moderate. Historical operating performance and trends are neutral. Prospective operating performance is expected to be neutral. Volatility of key metrics is moderate. Historical operating performance is poor. Trends are neutral/slightly negative and prospective operating performance is expected to be poor. Volatility of key metrics is high. Historical operating performance is very poor. Trends are negative and prospective operating performance is expected to be very poor. Volatility of key metrics is high. The key characteristics described for each assessment category are ideal scenarios and are not intended to be prescriptive.

27 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance Strong (+1) a- Business Profile (+/-2) Enterprise Risk Management (+1/-4) Comprehensive Adjustment (+/-1) Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

28 Business Profile The BCRM is being updated but the fundamental rating drivers will remain the same Sub-Assessment Positive Neutral Negative Product/Geographic Concentration Market Position Pricing Sophistication & Data Quality Significant diversification of product line /geographies Increase profitable market share at a sustainable rate Provides Competitive Advantage Moderate diversification of product lines / geographies Sustain profitable market share No Competitive Advantage/Disadv. Insufficient diversification of product lines / geographies Unable to sustain profitable market share Lack of sophistication creates disadvantage Product Risk Low Risk Offerings Average Risk Offerings High Risk Offerings Degree of Competition Low Competition Average Competition High Competition Management Quality Consistently achieves forecasts & targets Occasionally falls short of forecasts & targets Provides unreliable forecasts & targets Regulatory, Event & Market Risks Very Low or Significantly Reduced Moderate and Stable Very High or Significantly Increased Distribution Channels Created a significant competitive advantage thru distribution channels Has not created a significant competitive advantage thru distribution channels Faces a significant competitive disadvantage with regards to distribution

29 Baseline Adjusted for Profile Sub-assessments are qualitatively combined by analyst into a single business profile assessment Ultimate weights of each sub-assessment will vary depending on which metrics will have biggest impact on future financial strength Business Profile Assessment Adjustment (Notches) Very Favorable +2 Favorable +1 Neutral 0 Limited -1 Very Limited -2 Key Characteristics of Business Profile The company s market leadership position is unquestionable, demonstrated and defensible with high brand recognition. Distribution is seen as a competitive advantage; business lines are non-correlated and generally lower risk. Its management capabilities and data management are very strong. The company is a market leader with strong business trends and good control over distribution. It has diversified operations in key markets that have high to moderate barriers to entry with low competition. It has a strong management team that is able to meet projections and utilize data effectively. The company is not a market leader, but is viewed as competitive in chosen markets. It has some concentration and/or limited control of distribution. It has moderate product risk but limited severity and frequency of loss. Its use of technology is evolving and its business spread of risk is adequate. The company has a lack of diversification in geographic and/or product lines; its control over distribution is limited and undifferentiated. It faces high/increasing competition with low barriers to entry and elevated product risk. Management is unable to utilize data effectively or consistently in business decisions. The company faces high competition and low barriers to entry. It has a high concentration in commodity or higher risk products with very limited geographic diversity. It has weak data management. Country risk may factor into its elevated business profile risks. The key characteristics described for each assessment category are ideal scenarios and are not intended to be prescriptive.

30 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance Strong (+1) a- Business Profile Favorable (+1) a Enterprise Risk Management (+1/-4) Comprehensive Adjustment (+/-1) Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

31 ERM The BCRM is being updated but the fundamental rating drivers will remain the same Product & Underwriting Risk Reserving Risk Concentration Risk Reinsurance Risk Financial Flexibility Risk Investment Risk Legislative/Regulatory/Judicial/Economic Risk Management Risk Operational Risk Risk Appetite/Stress Testing

32 Baseline Adjusted for ERM Very strong risk management capability with a matching profile or strong risk management with a lower profile earns positive adjustment Risk management capability lower than the risk profile earns negative adjustment Downside spread reflects A.M. Best s concern that truly weak ERM can disproportionately impact financial strength ERM Assessment Adjustment (Notches) Key Characteristics of ERM Very Strong +1 Risk management capabilities are excellent and are more than adequate for the risk profile of the company. Adequate 0 Risk management capabilities are good and are adequate for the risk profile of the company. Weak -1/2 Risk management capabilities are insufficient given the risk profile of the company. Very Weak -3/4 Risk management capabilities contain severe deficiencies relative to the risk profile of the company. The key characteristics described for each assessment category are ideal scenarios and are not intended to be prescriptive.

33 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance Strong (+1) a- Business Profile Favorable (+1) a Enterprise Risk Management Adequate (+0) a Comprehensive Adjustment (+/-1) Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

34 Comprehensive Adjustment Evaluation of key rating factors includes parameters which place limits on any one factor Recognizes a truly uncommon strength/weakness that is not captured through the rating process Comprehensive Assessment Adjustment (Notches) Key Characteristics Positive +1 None 0 Negative -1 The company has uncommon strengths that exceed what has been captured throughout the rating process. The company s strengths and weaknesses have been accurately captured throughout the rating process. The company has uncommon weaknesses that exceed what has been captured throughout the rating process.

35 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance Strong (+1) a- Business Profile Favorable (+1) a Enterprise Risk Management Adequate (+0) a Comprehensive Adjustment None (+0) a Rating Enhancement Published Issuer Credit Rating

36 Rating Enhancement Non-lead rating units may be eligible for partial rating enhancement based on benefits it receives from being affiliated with the lead rating unit. Rating drag can also occur from negative impact of the lead rating unit on the non-lead unit. Rating Enhancement/Drag Adjustment (Notches) Key Characteristics of Rating Enhancement/Drag Typical Lift +1 to +4 Neutral 0 Typical Drag -1 to -4 The non-lead rating unit either receives explicit support from the broader organization or is deemed materially important within the broader organization as demonstrated by its level of integration. The non-lead rating unit does not have explicit support from the broader organization and is not considered materially important within the organization. The non-lead rating unit is negatively impacted by its association with the weaker affiliates of the broader organization.

37 Application of Rating Enhancement Rating enhancement may be distributed in one of the other assessments if the analyst deems this appropriate Example: Subsidiary A is currently receiving 2 notches of lift. Analyst determines it should get 1 notch of lift for sharing the same name and systems under Business Profile. Sub A also is fully integrated into ERM so the analyst determines it should also get 1 notch under ERM. If nothing has changed, then the previous lift has been distributed already in Business Profile and ERM.

38 The Building Block Approach Country Risk A.M. Best s Rating Process Balance Sheet Strength Baseline bbb+ Operating Performance Strong (+1) a- Business Profile Favorable (+1) a Enterprise Risk Management Adequate (+0) a Comprehensive Adjustment None (+0) a Rating Enhancement N/A (+0) a Published Issuer Credit Rating Rating recommendation of a

39 Rating Implications BCRM is NOT a means to change ratings although some ratings may change Analyst will communicate any potential rating issues as they become apparent during comment period Ratings impacted will be placed under review at end of comment period Need to be resolved within 6 months after under review

40 Questions

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